8.1.66. In which direction is the driver of the car allowed to proceed in this situation?
UAУ якому напрямку водієві автомобіля дозволено рух у даній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe passage through intersections and the correct understanding of traffic light signals, particularly exceptions to the general prohibition of movement on a red light. In real conditions, such situations often cause mistakes and conflicts: drivers either stop unnecessarily where a turn is allowed, or, conversely, start moving without yielding, creating danger for other vehicles and pedestrians.
The question tests knowledge of Section 8 "Traffic Regulation" (clause 8.7.3 e) of the Traffic Rules), which describes the meaning of the red signal and the effect of a green arrow on a plate installed at the level of the red traffic light. Such an arrow allows movement only in the direction it indicates, provided that the driver does not create obstacles for other participants moving on a permissive signal and yields to pedestrians. Separately, in the context of the theoretical exam, it is important to remember the obligation to signal the turn in advance (Section 9 "Warning Signals"), since permission for the maneuver does not cancel the requirement to indicate it with signals.
When evaluating the answer options, the statement about a complete prohibition of movement is incorrect, because the presence of a green arrow on the plate creates a permitted exception for a specific direction. Permission to turn left is also incorrect: the plate does not change the meaning of the red signal for other directions and does not grant the right to turn in a direction not indicated by the arrow. The only correct approach in this situation on the theoretical exam is to make the permitted turn in the direction of the arrow only after yielding to all who have priority and with the appropriate turn signal activated.
Clause 8.7.3 e) (Section 8 "Traffic Regulation", traffic light signals)
"e) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two red flashing signals prohibit movement. A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in an additional section(s) together with a yellow or red traffic light signal informs the driver that movement is permitted in the indicated direction provided that vehicles moving from other directions are given unobstructed passage. A green arrow on a plate installed at the level of the red traffic light signal with a vertical arrangement of signals allows movement in the indicated direction when the red traffic light is on from the far right lane (or the far left lane on one-way roads) provided that priority is given to other road users moving from other directions on a permissive traffic light signal;"
This subclause directly states that with a red signal, but in the presence of a green arrow on a plate at the level of the red signal, movement is allowed in the direction of the arrow (in this case — to the right) only if priority is given to other road users who have a permissive signal.
Clause 9.2 (Section 9 "Warning Signals")
"Turn indicator signals must be given in advance before starting a maneuver and must be stopped immediately after its completion (giving a signal does not give the driver priority and does not exempt them from taking safety measures)."
This clause checks the driver's obligation to signal a right turn when a right turn is permitted.
Clause 1.10 (term "Yield (do not create obstacles)")
"Yield (do not create obstacles) — a requirement for a road user not to continue or resume movement, not to perform any maneuvers if this may force other road users who have priority to change their direction or speed of movement."
This definition clarifies the meaning of the condition "give way" when making a right turn at a red signal with an arrow on a plate.
Thus, the correct answer is "To the right, turning on the right turn indicator (provided that priority is given to other road users)," given that according to the traffic rules, a green arrow on a plate at the level of the red signal allows a right turn from the far right lane only after yielding to other road users, and the maneuver must be performed with the mandatory use of the turn indicator.
In this situation, the main traffic light signal for the driver is red, and therefore the general rule is: movement is prohibited. However, next to the red signal, there is a special white plate with a green arrow pointing to the right. It is this plate that determines the exception to the prohibition.
According to clause 8.7.3 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a green arrow on a plate placed at the level of the red signal allows movement in the direction of the arrow even when the red signal is on. But this is not a "full permission," but a conditional one: the driver must yield to all participants moving from other directions on a permitted signal, as well as to pedestrians if they are crossing the roadway into which the turn is being made.
Therefore, the driver may only make a right turn from the far right lane, and must indicate the maneuver with the right turn signal. Driving straight or left at this signal phase is not allowed, because the plate permits only the direction indicated by the arrow and does not cancel the meaning of the red signal for other directions.
It is important to understand that this arrow specifically allows a right turn, but does not oblige the driver to make it. If the driver does not plan to turn right, they have the right to remain in place and wait for the green signal to move in other directions.
Therefore, the correct answer is "To the right, turning on the right turn signal (provided you yield to other road users)," since the green arrow on the plate next to the red signal under clause 8.7.3 (e) allows a right turn on red only after yielding to other road users.